SheCan Soar - Female Player Development Pathway
SheCan Soar: Female Player Development Pathway
RASC / MHYS Integration
- RASC: Rattler Academy Soccer Club - Travel Rep Program
- MHYS: Medicine Hat Youth Soccer - In-house Program
Purpose & Rationale: Why This Matters
Medicine Hat and the surrounding region continue to face challenges in attracting, retaining, and developing female soccer players, particularly through the critical transition years of U9-U13. Research and experience consistently show that female athletes benefit from:
- Consistent access to quality technical training
- Positive, confidence-building environments
- Clear development pathways without early pressure to “commit” to elite programs
- Strong role models, coaching standards, and peer groups
This Female Player Development Pathway is designed to directly address those needs by integrating MHYS and RASC programming, creating a shared ecosystem that supports long-term participation, confidence, and progression — while keeping soccer fun, accessible, and developmentally appropriate.
This model is being introduced for female players only at this time, in response to participation trends within our region. The framework may be mirrored or adapted for male players in future seasons.
Program Overview
The Female Player Development Pathway integrates MHYS female teams with RASC female teams within similar age groups, allowing players to train in aligned environments while maintaining clear distinctions between programs.
The pathway is built around three pillars:
- Shared Technical Development
- Flexible Participation Options
- A Clear, Supportive Progression into RASC
This structure ensures that all female players — regardless of program — have access to high-quality technical training and a positive development experience.
Age Groups Included
This pathway applies to the following female age groups:
- U9, U10, U11, U13
MHYS female teams will align with the closest available corresponding RASC age group for shared technical development opportunities.
Training Structure Overview
RASC Female Teams
RASC female teams will train twice per week, with each session structured as follows:
Session Length: 1.5 hours
- First 30 minutes — Mandatory Technical Session
- Delivered using the Coach Centrix platform
- Focused on ball mastery, movement, decision-making, and core technical skills
- Standardized curriculum across age groups
- Remaining 60 minutes — Team Time
- Coach Centrix team-based session plans or
- Tactical preparation, particularly in advance of exhibition weekends or competitions
The RASC Head Coach is responsible for leading the technical portion. Where available, a Club Technical Lead may oversee or support sessions to ensure consistency and quality across teams.
MHYS Female Teams
MHYS female teams will continue to operate within the Youth Soccer structure and will receive:
- 1 scheduled game per week (YSL)
- 1 hour of weekly team training
In addition, MHYS female players are offered a formal program benefit:
Optional participation in the 30-minute RASC technical session for their age group
This provides MHYS players with the opportunity to experience extended training time (up to 1.5 hours total) while remaining fully registered as YSL players.
Participation in the technical session is optional but encouraged, allowing families to choose the level of involvement that best suits their player.
Preferred Training Model (Primary Structure)
The preferred model for the Outdoor Season is as follows:
- MHYS female teams train for 1 hour
- Immediately following (or integrated within scheduling), the RASC technical session begins
- MHYS players who choose to participate join the 30-minute technical block
- RASC players then remain for their additional 60 minutes of team training
This model:
- Preserves Youth Soccer League identity and structure
- Provides equitable access to high-quality technical training
- Reduces scheduling burden on families
- Encourages confidence and familiarity before RASC tryouts
All training remains fully covered under MHSA and ASA insurance, with no additional requirements for participating players.
Role of Coaches
RASC Coaches
- Lead all mandatory technical sessions
- Deliver Coach Centrix curriculum consistently
- Model appropriate coaching language, tone, and teaching methods
- Support a positive, inclusive learning environment for all female players
MHYS Coaches
- Actively assist during technical sessions
- Observe and learn technical detail, coaching cues, and session flow
- Complete assigned Coach Centrix technical content
- Reinforce shared development principles within MHYS training sessions
This collaborative approach ensures coach development alongside player development, strengthening the female program at every level.
Player Alignment by Age Group
MHYS players may attend the technical session aligned to their age group:
- U9 & U10 MHYS --> U10 RASC (if applicable)
- U11 MHYS --> U11 RASC
- U13 MHYS --> U13 RASC
This alignment allows players to train with peers of similar developmental stages while gradually building comfort within the RASC environment.
Development Pathway & Progression
This integrated model creates a clear, low-pressure pathway into RASC:
- Players gain exposure to RASC-level coaching and expectations
- Coaches can identify readiness over time, not in a single tryout moment
- Families better understand the RASC commitment before registering
- Players transition with confidence, familiarity, and peer support
Importantly, participation in technical sessions does not require commitment to RASC, nor does it obligate players to try out. The focus remains on development, enjoyment, and long-term participation.
Program Goals & Outcomes
This Female Player Development Pathway aims to:
- Increase female player retention at U9-U13
- Improve technical confidence and game understanding
- Reduce dropout during key transition years
- Strengthen the pool of female players prepared for RASC
- Create a unified female soccer culture across MH Youth Soccer and RASC programs
- Support coach education and consistency across all levels
Summary
This initiative represents a deliberate investment in female soccer development within our region. By integrating MHYS and RASC programming in a supportive, flexible way, MHSA and RASC are committed to building an environment where female players feel confident, capable, and excited to continue playing the game.
